Detective Pikachu Movie Review: A fun and endearing Pokémon adventure that is mainly for the die-hard fans

Detective Pikachu Movie Review is out now. Voiced by Ryan Reynolds, Pokémon Detective Pikachu is based on a popular video game and is helmed by Rob Letterman. The movie also stars Justice Smith in the lead.

Detective Pikachu Movie Review&nbsp

What a time to be a pop culture nerd! We already had Avengers: Endgame, live-action Dumbo movie, Shazam, Captain Marvel, Game of Thrones is on-air and in the coming months we'll get to see Godzilla take on King Ghidorah, John Wick take on an army of assassins and mafias, a live-action Aladdin movie, a live-action The Lion King movie a live-action Sonic The Hedgehog movie etc. But before all that, we finally get to relive a part of our childhood in live-action Pokémon Detective Pikachu. The movie brings to life all those Pokemon we have loved, adored and even feared as a kid.

Based on a video game of the same name Detective Pikachu is about Tim Goodman (Justice Smith), a wannabe Pokémon trainer who finds out that his father who was a detective in Ryme City, dies after a car accident. He is told that his father's partner Pikachu (Ryan Reynolds), a Pokémon too passed away in the accident. However, he not only realises that his father's Pokémon is alive but also can converse with him. In fact, Tim is the only one who can understand Detective Pikachu's language. Now the two are on a mission to find out what actually happened to Tim's father and Pikachu's partner.

First thing first, if, like me, you are a fan of Pokémon and have enjoyed watching those cartoons, collected cards and merch back in the day then this movie is definitely a must watch for y'all. Right from the scene one when we see Cubone minding his own business (basically being himself) in a forest, I knew I am in for a treat just for the fact that I'll get to witness a hoard of Pokémon characters come to life. And when the story moves to the Ryme City, I bet seeing all those Pokémon in action will fill your heart with joy.

Director Rob Letterman makes sure that the fans get the entertainment worth every penny spent. The nostalgia and the joy of watching your favourite characters will give you an altogether different high and you will find yourself watching the movie with a twinkle in your eye. And even when the story drags, Letterman makes sure that the fans are occupied spotting easter eggs.

But, the biggest problem with the movie is its disregard for non-fans. If you are not a Pokémon fan, you might find yourself yawning during a couple of scenes. While the writing is fine, the movie has pacing issues, mainly in the middle portion. There are some sequences, especially the one in the forest that goes on forever, that could've easily been snipped and makers could've saved themselves a hell lot of money that was spent on CGI in that scene. Also, the story is predictable. You'll see the plot twist coming from a distance.

But what makes the movie worth your time is the performances especially Ryan Reynolds' voiceover, who is basically being himself here and that's not an issue. Justice Smith has performed well considering he mostly had to act alongside CGI characters. Kathryn Newton looks gorgeous and even though initially looked a bit awkward, gives a good performance. Bill Nighy is wasted. And Karan Soni is just about fine in a guest appearance.

Props to the VFX team for creating an entire city with Pokémon that are as accurate as possible. From Pikachu, Mewtwo, Bulbasaur, Charizard, Charmander, Snorlax to Jigglypuff etc. many Pokémon are seen in big and small parts. But the one who was the MVP for me, apart from Pikachu of course, was Psyduck. Often considered as useless in the cartoons I grew up watching, I loved how Rob Letterman used it here. The special effects are incredible. And the final battle too has been executed well.

Overall, Pokémon Detective Pikachu is fun, endearing and nostalgic. It is a good watch for all the die-hard fans and for the general audience, I would suggest going in with low expectations.

P.S - Look out for a surprise cameo by an A-lister.

Rating: 3.5 stars
Review By: Gaurang Chauhan

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Detective Pikachu Movie Review: A fun and endearing Pokémon adventure that is mainly for the die-hard fansDescription:Detective Pikachu Movie Review is out now. Voiced by Ryan Reynolds, Pokémon Detective Pikachu is based on a popular video game and is helmed by Rob Letterman. The movie also stars Justice Smith in the lead.Gaurang Chauhan